The EU will ban Russian pipeline gas and LNG by the end of 2026 and mid-2027.
Hungary and Slovakia can access Russian gas only during emergencies, thanks to a suspension clause.
Short-term contracts signed before June 2025 face phased bans starting April 2026 for LNG and June 2026 for pipelines.
Long-term LNG deals may continue until January 2027, while long-term pipeline contracts will end September 2027, possibly extended to November 2027.
Member states accelerated plans to reduce reliance after Russia’s 2022 invasion disrupted EU energy markets.
EU data shows dependence on Russian gas fell from 45% pre-invasion to 13% in early 2025, though imports still cost €10 billion.
Political Dispute Over Exemptions
Most EU countries supported the ban to limit Moscow’s war funding, but landlocked states cited higher prices and supply risks.
Parliament initially opposed exceptions but ultimately agreed to protect Hungary and Slovakia.
Hungary and Slovakia plan to challenge the law, calling it illegal and contrary to EU treaties.
Leaders Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico maintain closer ties to Moscow than most EU officials.
The suspension clause activates only if a state declares an emergency with less than 90% storage by November 1.
Member states must submit national diversification plans to end Russian gas and oil imports by March 2026.
Europe Declares Energy Independence
The EU banned imports through the TurkStream pipeline unless companies prove gas only transited Russia or Belarus.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the law a milestone for Europe’s independence from Russian energy.
She said the EU aims to weaken Russia’s war finances and pursue new energy partnerships.
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen pledged never to return to dependency, volatility, or market manipulation from Moscow.
Parliamentary negotiator Thomas Pellerin-Carlin said the law protects jobs and prevents Russia from exploiting the energy market.
Energy ministers will vote on December 15, followed by a plenary vote in Parliament later that week.
